What Is the California Fair Employment Housing Act?

The California Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA) is the primary law that extends protection from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. Every company with five or more full-time employees is required to follow the FEHA anti-discriminatory laws. The FEHA’s anti-harassment provisions apply to all employers with only one or more employees. If you are experiencing discrimination, retaliation, or harassment at your workplace, you have laws that protect you. Our California employment law attorneys explain how the California Fair Employment Housing Act protects employees.

Employers’ Responsibility Under FEHA

Employers are prohibited from discriminating against job applicants and employees because of a protected category. They also can’t retaliate against an employee because they have asserted their rights under the law. Harassment is also prohibited in all workplaces, including private and public employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies.

The FEHA’s laws prohibit employers from applying discriminatory behavior to all practices of their business, including:

• Advertisements
• Work applications and interviews
• Hiring and transferring
• Promoting or terminating
• Working conditions
• Compensation
• Participation in a union or employee organization

How Are Workers Protected Under FEHA’s Laws?

Many of the same non-discriminatory or harassment federal laws apply to the California Fair Employment Housing Act. The FEHA provides protection from discrimination, retaliation, and harassment under a protected category. Below are the most common protected categories that employers can’t discriminate against:

• Race
• Religion
• Sex
• Disability
• National origin
• Request for family leave
• Request for pregnancy disability leave
• Gender identity or gender expression
• And more

Experienced California Employment Law Attorneys

If you are experiencing harassment, discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace, you have state and federal laws that protect you. With the help of our team at Hennig Kramer LLP, you can seek compensation for your employer’s wrongful conduct. Our California employment law attorneys can pursue an effective and personalized strategy for your best possible outcome. Let our team guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Contact our California employment law attorneys today at (213) 310-8301 to schedule a confidential consultation!